This is the most recognizable motocross racer in history and the most respected. Generations of young riders wanted to be like Roger. Photo By David Livingston

AMA Motorcycle Hall of Fame, five-time 500 World Champion Roger DeCoster has retired as the manager of the U.S. Roger DeCoster Retires as Motocross of Nations Team USA Managerteam, capping a 44-year career during which he guided U.S. riders to 25 titles at the annual FIM World Championship event.

“Roger De Coster’s impact on Motocross in America is indelible and without compare,” said AMA President and CEO Rob Dingman. “On behalf of the AMA Board of Directors, AMA staff and AMA members everywhere, I extend our heartfelt gratitude for the decades of leadership, guidance and numerous FIM World Championships. Roger, we couldn’t have done it without you.”

The MXDN is the premier motocross race in the world. In 2024, three-rider teams from 36 countries converged on Matterley Basin in Winchester, U.K., to battle for the FIM Chamberlain Cup. This year’s event is at Ironman Raceway USA in Crawfordsville, Ind., Oct. 3-5.

Roger celebrated his 81st birthday 4 days ago, but he is in amazing shape.

Roger DeCoster has managed the American Motocross des Nations 36 times, four of those included the Trophee des Nations race that prior to 1984 featured 250cc motorcycles. With DeCoster at the helm, Team USA has won the MXDN 21 times and the Trophee des Nations four times. IT should be noted that we didn’t sned a Team USA in 1979, 1980, 2001, 2002, 2004, 2020, and 2021

“I always wanted our sport to become bigger, more important and more respected around the world,” said, Roger De Coster, “This is why I raced in many places around the world besides the GPs — Argentina, Brazil, Ecuador, Peru, Australia — and ended up in the United States for good. For me, the Motocross des Nations became the single biggest race of the year, and I am very thankful to the U.S. riders and all the people who supported this event with their best efforts and gave me the support to fulfill a lot of my dreams. Thank you, all.”

Roger and Jeffrey Herlings chat at the 2013 MXDN.

Starting this year, in alignment with the approach of most FIM National Federations, the AMA Director of Racing will lead the team, working closely with the individual riders’ team managers to prepare the riders, develop strategy and take responsibility for key decisions.

Roger DeCoster knows more about motocross, winning championships, the rulebook and running a team than anybody in the world.

Roger DeCoster remains active in the sport as the Motorsports Director for KTM North America. Previously, he was the team manager for Team Honda and Team Suzuki before taking the helm of the KTM factory team in both AMA Supercross and Motocross.